The Los Angeles Lakers had a spot in the starting lineup open with LeBron James set to miss the start of the season, and head coach JJ Redick announced they will surprisingly use Gabe Vincent to fill in. The 6’3 guard’s hot shooting preseason helped him beat out Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt to be the opening night starter.
The Lakers want shooting around Luka Doncic, and Vincent has delivered. In his first three preseason games, the veteran guard has averaged 17.0 points and made 11 3-pointers. He has disappointed in his first two seasons in Los Angeles, but fans shouldn’t forget he was a starter on the 2023 Miami Heat that reached the NBA Finals.
Smart missed most of the preseason rehabbing an Achilles injury, and Vanderbilt is a non-shooter. It opened the door for Vincent, and he did not miss the opportunity.
Gabe Vincent will be the surprise opening night starter for the Lakers
Vincent averaged just 6.4 points, 1.4 assists, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 steals in 21.2 minutes per game last season, but fans have seen a different player this preseason. He is hitting shots, making plays, and reminding everyone why the Lakers signed him to a three-year $33 million contract after that 2023 finals run.
LA desperately needs a point of attack defender in their starting lineup. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be the primary scorers and creators with LeBron out. Deandre Ayton is locked in as Luka’s pick-and-roll partner and the Lakers' defensive anchor. Rui Hachimura offers shooting and the ability to be a stout wing defender. Redick needed someone who can guard Stephen Curry on opening night.
Vincent is better suited for that role than Marcus Smart at this stage. The former Defensive Player of the Year is declining and has been hampered by injuries in recent years. The Lakers do not want to overtax him on opening night. Vincent has his shot locked in and is capable of chasing around Curry for 30-plus in the first game.
Lakers fans thought Jarred Vanderbilt’s defense would give him the opening night nod, but coach Redick wants shooting on the floor at all times. Vando looks healthy and ready to be a lockdown defender, but he can consistently make shots. That will leave him in a bench role.
The Los Angeles Lakers will surprisingly start Gabe Vincent next to Luka, Reaves, Hachimura, and Ayton on opening night, per head coach JJ Redick. Nobody saw this move coming, but the Lakers need to match up against the opposition with LeBron out. Vincent gives them the best shot at slowing down Curry, so he will be in their on opening night.